I was working with my mind numb to the world, hating a process that I normally love. Have you been there? My shoulders were slumped and I was moving like a slug. I was in such a bad mood that the day was moving so slow and an hour felt like a whole day. It was an infectious attitude and my crew members knew to look out. What was wrong?
What changes when we go from loving our job, kids, spouse etc., to hating the responsibility?
I believe it is simple. It all comes down to one thing. What are we thinking about? Next time your attitude gets bad and your effort goes in the toilet, think about what you are thinking about. How are you viewing your current task?
The attitude we need to have is that of I get to do ____. However, what we often think is I have to do ____.
When our attitude is I have to do ____, there are so many negative ramifications. We have no excitement, energy, and hustle. It is all about perception.
An example from my life is when I say that I have to put my kids to bed. I mumble and gripe and rush them to bed. They sure feel special when I am like this. (sarcasm intended). There is no connection and it is a waste of a special moment. When I think about I get to put them to bed, it is so wonderful. I have such a good time that sometimes it brings tears to my eyes. It was just a few years ago that I prayed for the opportunity to be a dad. Same task, one I do begrudgingly and the other I am crying because of the opportunity to put my precious babies to bed.
How is your perspective? Today you are alive. If you have a job that you don’t like, there are people who would love your job. If you have a family you don’t like the responsibility of, there are people who would love your family. If you don’t like your house or car, there are many who would love their own house or car. Change your perspective, change your life.
Are you thinking of the opportunity or the obligation? Restore your excitement about the opportunity in front of you and be blessed on your journey.
Question: How do you stay excited on this journey of life? Share your story in the comment section below.
This is a guest post by Zechariah Newman. Zechariah is a Figaro’s Pizza franchisee, writer, and speaker. You can check out his blog here and follow him on Twitter or Facebook.
By the way, I’m always looking for guest posters. If you would like to guest post, you can find the guidelines at An Invitation To Guest Post.
Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.